Despite being the world’s wealthiest person, Elon Musk is showing that even billionaires have their own personal preferences when it comes to staying close to loved ones.
Recently, it was revealed that Musk has been staying at a $2,000-a-night cottage within the grounds of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
Musk, who owns Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has been spending time there since Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election.
The billionaire has been seen at Mar-a-Lago with his 12 children and their mothers, and his proximity to Trump has allowed him easy access to the president-elect.
A Demanding Guest at Mar-a-Lago
While staying at Banyan Cottage, just a few hundred feet away from Trump’s mansion, Musk has made quite an impression on Mar-a-Lago staff, gaining a reputation as a demanding guest.
Known for his workaholic nature, Musk reportedly orders meals outside of regular kitchen hours.
The arrangement seems to be mutually beneficial, allowing Musk easy access to Trump and his inner circle.
It remains unclear whether Musk is paying for his stay, although considering his relationship with Trump, it might be a bill the former president is reluctant to charge.
Musk’s Influence Grows Within Trump’s Inner Circle
Musk’s relationship with Trump has evolved significantly since 2022 when Musk told the former president to “hang up his hat and sail into the sunset.”
Now, the Tesla CEO’s influence has skyrocketed, and he is now a fixture in Trump’s inner circle.
Not only did Musk spend Thanksgiving with the Trump family, but he has become confident enough in his influence to weigh in on Trump’s cabinet appointments.
In fact, Trump has suggested that Musk will co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, a position that includes cutting waste and red tape, and the department’s acronym, “Doge,” is a nod to Musk’s love for the cryptocurrency Dogecoin.
A Shifting Relationship Between Musk and Trump
Trump recently posted a message on his social media platform, Truth Social, asking Musk when he would visit Mar-a-Lago, adding that they missed him and his son, X Æ A-Xii.
This was a stark contrast to 2022 when Musk was publicly critical of Trump.
Experts suggest that the dynamics between the two have shifted due to Musk’s growing wealth and influence, especially since Trump’s victory in the election, which has bolstered Musk’s net worth.
Musk’s Political Influence Continues to Expand
Elon Musk’s political influence has been steadily increasing.
His platform, X, has become one of the most important communication tools in US politics.
With over 210 million followers, Musk’s opinions now carry weight, and politicians around the world are increasingly wary of angering him, especially with his close ties to Trump.
Musk has become an outspoken critic of what he calls “identity politics” and the “woke mind virus,” further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the political arena.
Musk’s Role in UK Politics and Criticism of Keir Starmer
Musk’s influence extends beyond the US.
In recent weeks, he has become increasingly critical of the UK’s Labour Party under Keir Starmer.
He has made several jabs at Starmer’s government, calling for a new UK general election and mocking the current political climate.
Musk’s comments have caught the attention of British politicians, particularly as he continues to target the Labour leader and the UK’s immigration policies.
His involvement in UK politics is seen as part of his broader influence in global affairs.
Musk and Far-Right Politics in Europe
Musk’s political leanings have been controversial, particularly when it comes to his support for far-right political movements in Europe.
Last weekend, Musk endorsed the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which opposes immigration and has been gaining support in Germany.
This has drawn the ire of German politicians, who accused Musk of interfering in their country’s federal elections.
Musk’s outspoken views on immigration policies in Germany and Italy have further fueled his reputation as a political outsider challenging the status quo.
Tensions Between Musk and US Politicians Over Immigration and Spending
Musk’s influence is not limited to international politics.
In the US, he has clashed with both Democrats and Republicans, especially on issues related to immigration and government spending.
His vocal opposition to the US military aid to Ukraine and his calls for reforming the immigration system have put him at odds with many lawmakers.
Musk has even threatened to fund candidates to challenge those who disagree with his political stance, using his vast wealth to sway policy decisions.
Musk’s Relationship with China and Russia Sparks Controversy
Musk’s relationships with China and Russia have also raised eyebrows.
His Tesla factory in Shanghai is a significant part of his business operations, and he has formed close ties with Chinese officials.
Musk’s comments on China have raised concerns in the US, with critics accusing him of prioritizing business interests over patriotism.
His interactions with Russia have been equally controversial, especially after he was reportedly in secret talks with Vladimir Putin about various geopolitical matters.
Musk’s Influence and Personal Motivations
Musk’s political involvement has led many to speculate about his motivations.
Some believe he is driven by a desire to reshape the world and save it from what he sees as the dangers of overreach in politics, while others think his actions are driven by a personal vendetta or a need for attention.
Whatever his reasons, it’s clear that Musk’s influence continues to grow, and his willingness to intervene in global politics shows no sign of waning.
As he continues to make waves in various political spheres, one thing is certain: Elon Musk is not afraid to use his power to push his agenda.